Marian Library

Wednesday March 9, 2016

The Train's Journey Continues

Come see the "Stations of the Nativity" train set which continues to run through the year at the Marian Library located on the 7th floor of Roesch Library. The miniature train stops at 10 stations that surround the nativity cave. Each stop tells a story from the Annunciation through Jesus' birth and childhood. The train was a very popular attraction during the Christmas season. The train set was constructed by our volunteers with the help of UD engineering students. If you haven't been over to see it yet, this is quite a treasure!

Photo Gallery

Some traditions claim that Mary was frightened at a well by an invisible angel. When she returned home, the angel Gabriel reappeared to her and their momentous dialogue took place. Most artistic renderings set this scene indoors with Mary at prayer or reading a sacred text. Whatever the circumstances, our tour begins with a heavenly conversation which changed the world.

Upon hearing from the angel that her elderly relative, Elizabeth, is with child, Mary visits her at Ain Karim, the Fountain in the Vineyard. Here she and her cousin rejoice in the miracles of birth they will soon share. Mary is hailed as blessed among women and she responds with her Magnificat, praising God. Little did they know the roles their offspring would play in the history of salvation.

In order to be counted in the census, Joseph, being a descendant of David is compelled to travel with Mary to Bethlehem, David’s ancient home. Desperate to find shelter since Mary is soon to give birth, Joseph is unsuccessful in finding suitable accommodations in the overcrowded little town.

Finally, an innkeeper suggests a sheltered cave-like grotto where animals are sometimes stabled.

That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid,” he said, “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The savior, yes, the Messiah - the Lord – has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David.”

Moses directed that first-born Jewish males belonged to the Lord and so had to be purchased back by a small offering, perhaps a pair of doves. Simeon, a deeply pious man, recognizes the child as the long-awaited Messiah and delivers a prophecy that a sword will pierce Mary’s heart. Anna, a prophetess, was present as well and spread the good news to all who were waiting God’s deliverance.

Herod was furious when the wise men failed to return to inform him of the whereabouts of Jesus, a potential threat to his throne.

In his anger and insecurity, Herod dispatched Roman soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under. His brutal action fulfilled the ancient prophecy: “Rachel weeps for her children, refusing to be comforted, for they are all dead.”